India-Germany relations

The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Federal Republic of Germany have been traditionally strong due to strong commercial, cultural and strategic cooperation.

History

India and Germany have enjoyed long-standing historic and cultural ties. Nazi Germany supported Indian political leader Subhash Chandra Bose's bid for armed struggle against British colonial rule and helped organize the Indian National Army along with Japan. India was the first nation to end the state of war with Germany after the Second World War.cite web|title=Indo-German relations|url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/1319|date=2007-10-31|author=Pallavi Sharma|publisher=Newstrack India|accessdate=2008-10-08] India maintained diplomatic relations with both West Germany and East Germany but supported their reunification in 1991. In 2008, German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a high-profile official visit to India that led to the signing of several agreements expanding bilateral cooperation in commerce, science, technology and defence.cite web|title=Angela Merkel plans to boost relations with India in business, science and politics|url=http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/30-10-2007/99800-merkel-0|publisher=Pravda|date=2007-10-30|accessdate=2008-10-08]

Development of bilateral ties

Germany has extensively supported education and cultural development in India. Germany helped establish the Indian Institute of Technology Madras after both governments signed an agreement in 1956 and increased its cooperation and supply of technology and resources over the decades to help expand the institution.cite web|title=History of IIT Madras|url=http://www.iitm.ac.in/The%20Institute/History.html|date=2008-04-08|publisher=Indian Institute of Technology Madras|accessdate=2008-10-08] cite web|title=Kapil Sibal inaugurates Indo-German Science and Technology Centre|url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/15972|author=ANI|publisher=Newstrack India|accessdate=2008-10-08] In 2008, both nations established the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre in New Delhi to promote joint research and development in energy, environment, coal and water technologies. Germany is India's largest European trading partner and the 5th largest trade partner.cite web|title=Indo-German joint naval exercise commences in India|url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/3024|date=2008-04-08|publisher=Newstrack India|accessdate=2008-10-08] Current trade volume stands at € 10.5 billion in 2006, € 12.7 billion in 2007-08 and both nations see it increasing to € 30 billion by 2010.cite web|title=Indo-German trade to cross 30 bn Euros by 2010|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/Foreign_Trade/India-German_trade_to_cross_30_bn_Euros_by_2010_Sibal/rssarticleshow/3459967.cms|publisher=Economic Times|date=2008-09-08|accessdate=2008-10-08] India and Germany enjoy strong commerce and cooperation in telecommunications, engineering, environmental technology, food processing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

trategic ties

In the 1990s, Germany condemned India's 1998 nuclear tests, but has since expanded its cooperation with India in fighting terrorism and conducting joint military exercises. Germany has also supported India's waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group to trade nuclear materials and energy. In 2008, the Indian navy and the German navy conducted joint exercises for the first time, following a defence cooperation agreement between the two nations signed in 2006.

References